Third Party Press

New Variation of Reichsbahn Banner

bruce98k

Super Over the Top Moderator -1/2
Staff member
Just when I thought we had all the variations logged another one pops up.
The first showed up late last year when I was contacted by the purchaser of a DR cartouched Banner.
My first impression was that the rifle was not matched since the cartouche did not match the rifle serial.

Initially the Reichsbahn rifles were ordered in late 1933 and continued into 1934 with a production run of nearly 4000 rifles.
Each of the rifles in this first run were serial numbered in a specific range, in this case 0001 to C3915.
The 'C' prefix was added sometime after rifle 1927. In all cases the DR cartouche was marked with the numerical portion
of the rifle serial number.

Getting back to the first rifle in question, the DR cartouche SN. 4016 did not match the rifle serial number, 91317.
Once the rifle was taken apart, it was found that the matching number was stamped in the barrel channel, which
confirmed that the 1934 Banner was factory original.

My assumption is that a 2nd smaller run of Banner rifles for the Reichsbahn was completed near the end of 1934 Banner production.
The serialization of the DR cartouche continued from the last number used in the intial run completed earlier in the year.
In this smaller run, rifles were pulled from late Banner K production and were marked with the DR cartouche.

A 2nd rifle was discovered in a Colorado gun shop, and thats the rifle that is detailed here.
There are two images of the first rifle also.

With only two examples discovered to date, estimating the total production is difficult.
My best assumption is that the run was limited to a number between 200-500 rifles.

Edit: 3rd example reported.

Data on reported examples:

SN: 83840 DR 4029
SN: 91317 DR 4061
SN: 91244 DR 4189
 

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Just goes to show that no matter how much you think you know, there is always more to discover in the wild. Research and paying attention is still necessary!
 
As the Old Adage goes NEVER SAY NEVER !!!!!! . Great Rifles . This is the type of find that keeps collectors going . :thumbsup:
 
Seen some really nice rifles come out of the woodwork this year. What a find too say the least with this piece though. Talk about quality and craftsmanship this rifle is just beautiful.
 
2nd Series DR

Got a PM from another forum member who has one.
I have added the 3rd rifle to the data base.
 

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